While frigid weather might not be on your mind yet, summer is the perfect time to prepare your home for the colder months. Snuggling up to the warmth of a fire pit is a beloved winter pastime, but why not bring those cozy, inviting vibes indoors all year round? With the flickering crackle of a shiplap fireplace, you can transform your home into a peaceful sanctuary of comfort and delight.

Building your own shiplap fireplace is cheaper and less complex compared to other home renovation tasks of a larger scale. If you want to elevate your basic wall with a fiery centerpiece, keep reading for tips on tackling this DIY project.

Can you use shiplap on your fireplace?

Shiplap is ideal for a fireplace only if you adhere to the correct safety codes. These solid wooden boards are affordable, easy to work with, quick to install, and customizable. However, shiplap should not be used around or near the fireplace opening.

Shiplap is typically smooth, but some is textured. Though mostly available in white, shiplap comes in various colors and finishes. Generally, if you want your fireplace wall to blend in seamlessly, you should stick to your room’s color scheme. Can’t find shiplap in the color you need? Don’t worry, you can paint your shiplap to match any space. Likewise, you can create an accent wall with pre-painted shades like Lava Red Pine Wood and Sage Green Oak Wood.

Can you use shiplap on a wood-burning fireplace?

Since shiplap is wood, avoid using it on a wood-burning fireplace unless your fireplace isn’t functional. Placing shiplap around a working wood-burning fireplace is not advised as it poses a fire hazard. Gas and electric fireplaces are best when building a fireplace accent wall.

When choosing which option is right for you, consider the pros and cons. Before getting to that, however, remember that gas fireplaces are available in three types: inserts, built-ins, and log sets. Inserts are log-and-burner sets enclosed inside a double metal box with a glass panel or fixed metal screen that goes into an existing fireplace. Log sets are ceramic log-and-burner sets that sit inside existing fireplaces. Built-ins are the same as inserts, except you don’t need an existing fireplace or chimney to have one.

Pros of Gas Fireplaces

• Instant heating with the touch of a switch, remote or thermostat.
• Fire doesn’t need tending.
• Energy-efficient.
• Works during a power outage.
• Minimal maintenance.

Cons of Gas Fireplaces

• High installation costs.
• No firewood means no fragrant smells or satisfying crackling sounds.

Pros of Electric Fireplaces

• Least expensive.
• Easy to find.
• Instant heat, just plug it in.
• Great for small spaces.

Cons of Electric Fireplaces

• Fake fire, so no smells or crackling sounds.
• Won’t work during a power outage.
• Energy-consuming.

Is there fireproof shiplap?

You can buy fire-resistant metal panels that mimic shiplap, yet these alternatives are costly and typically hard to find in smaller quantities. While shiplap is distinctive to the modern farmhouse trend, don’t feel restricted to it. You can create a fireplace wall out of any material you prefer. Brick, stone, plaster, concrete, and certain tiles are all great options.

How do you make a shiplap fireplace?

To build your fireplace, you need the proper tools and materials. Additional items and specific measurements will depend on your room’s dimensions and how you want your fireplace wall to look. Here’s a basic checklist to help you get started:

• Shiplap
• Paint
• Circular Saw
• Tape Measure
• Safety Glasses
• Drill
• Level
• Pencil
• Speed Square
• Nailer
• Stud Finder
• Hammer
• Wood Studs
• Pencil

Fireplace accent walls are beautiful additions to any home. For the safest installation possible, be sure to research fire safety codes and wear the proper protective eyewear and clothing before attempting to execute this project.